What to look for when buying a hot water bottle?
Tianna Emard
2025-06-16 10:56:00
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As they come in all shapes and sizes, and can be made from many different materials, so it’s best to find the material that will suit your needs best before selecting one. Rubber is a popular material as it is durable and provides insulation, reducing the risks of burns when filling it up and using it to keep you warm. Another option is thermoplastic, which is more expensive, but in the long run will keep the water hotter for longer so will save you keep going back and forth to boil the kettle and refill it. The usual rules apply in the sense that often if you invest in a good quality hot water bottle, it will likely outlast a cheaper alternative. Rubber versions can last for several years if properly cared for and emptied regularly, although some manufacturers recommend only keeping them for a maximum of two years regardless. In fact, many actually have a little-known expiry date which is indicated on the twelve petal flower, with a number stating the year it was made. We would recommend making a note of this date, and getting rid and purchasing a new one after two years of use.
Adele Schmitt
2025-06-14 00:07:44
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We wanted hot water bottles that were easy to use – caps that didn’t get jammed, covers that were easy to remove – and ones that were comfy to cuddle. Extra points were given to bottles that were good value or had extra features that served a purpose. Although they are by no means a modern-day invention, they have been kept up to date. As well as traditional hot water bottles, there are now also pouches you can pop in the microwave and rechargeable ones that start working at the click of a button. You can even get some that release essential oils, to help you relax.
Lyla Shanahan
2025-06-02 06:32:33
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The main benefits of rubber are that it is a natural material and provides more insulation. The benefits of PVC are that it provides an option for those with an allergy to rubber and it is also phthalate free. Be wary of bottles that have low rubber content and that are manufactured a long time ago, you can see the age of the bottle on the daisy of the bottle. A great hot water bottle consists of a quality and recently made rubber or PVC bottle and a cover that is made from lining, wading and a cover material that are all high-quality, insulating and nice feeling and looking. The lining material is the closest to the bottle and so needs to be light weight and strong. The wadding is the stuffing that does most of the insulating, to keep the bottle has hot as possible. We tested quite a few different materials and ended up choosing a 50/50 natural bamboo & natural cotton blend. Finally comes the outside cover, which also helps to insulate the bottle but also has to look and feel right.
Lavon Williamson
2025-06-02 05:18:27
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The British Standard Mark - The current standard 1970:2012 should be marked clearly on the body of the hot water bottle.
The Manufacturer’s and/or Distributors mark - This should be marked clearly on the body of the hot water bottle, so that in the event of a serious defect with the product the manufacturer/distributor can be located.
That the hot water bottle comes with full instructions for use - This should be followed closely and kept for future reference.
It is also wise to check the following:
The date daisy - Look for the number in the centre of the daisy.
This shows you the year in which the hot water bottle was produced.
It is advised that you don’t buy a hot water bottle that has been produced more than 5 years previously.
That the stopper fits the hot water bottle correctly - Test the stopper by screwing it in and out of the bottle.
It should be easy to fit and use.
The Guarantee offered - Unless explicitly stated any guarantee that is printed on the product is against manufacturing defects only.
When buying a rubber hot water bottle you should also have a feel and smell the product.
A product with a high rubber content means that your hot water bottle will stay warmer for longer as rubber is a great insulator of heat.
The more rubbery the smell and the softer, more rubbery feel a hot water bottle has indicates a higher rubber content.
A bottle that feels slippery, chalky and brittle, looks shiny and doesn’t have a rubber smell generally indicates a lower rubber content.
One last thing to consider is the price you are paying for the rubber hot water bottle.
Rubber prices are like gold prices therefore a bottle which costs a little bit more will generally have a higher rubber content.
Enola Marquardt
2025-06-02 04:59:07
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: 13
When buying a hot water bottle, you should consider its lifespan, as hot water bottles don't have a fixed expiry date but they do have limited lifespan because over time, the rubber can degrade, especially with regular use and the repeated exposure to heat, air, and pressure during filling, use and storage. You should replace your hot water bottle at least every 2 years from the date of purchase to ensure you are always using a hot water bottle that is safe and fit for purpose. You should replace your hot water bottle more often if you use it regularly or if: There are visible signs of wear, for example, cracks, punctures, or leaks. The hot water bottle has lost its flexibility and has become stiff or brittle. The hot water bottle has become discoloured, either it has faded or become darker in areas. ALWAYS follow the instructions for filling, use and care that come with your hot water bottle, such as not overfilling, not using boiling water, expelling air, not using your hot water bottle as a cushion or storing it incorrectly as misuse can shorten the lifespan and result in accidents.
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